Bill Gertz and Adam Kredo

Former Sen. Chuck Hagel on Thursday faced a barrage of criticism about his fitness to be the next defense secretary, including his agreement with a controversial statement that the United States is the “world’s bully.”

Former Sen. Chuck Hagel came under harsh criticism from Republicans on the Senate Armed Services Committee Thursday for controversial views on Iran’s nuclear arms, the United States military surge in Iraq, plans to cut nuclear forces, and critical remarks about Israel.